A new law has been signed allowing casinos in Illinois to start hiring convicted felons for non-gambling positions. Governor J.B. Pritzker signed the new legislation, therefore lofting the state’s prohibition on convicted felons working within commercial casinos. This move will give casinos in the state a larger pool of hospitality workers from which to employ.
For more than 2 years, employers in numerous industries in Illinois have been required legally to consider the full context of qualifications for certain job applicants with criminal records rather than immediately disqualifying them based on that fact alone. This requirement now applies to the gambling sector as well.
The Illinois legislature voted to pass Senate Bill 1462. This measure effectively amended the Illinois Gambling Act to permit individuals with certain felony convictions to apply for non-gambling jobs that ran the gamut including:
- Porters
- Bellmen
- Wait staff and food service
- Chefs and cooks
- Bartenders
- Housekeepers
- Dishwashers
- Security
Despite SB 1462 being signed into law, it should be noted that those with felony convictions are still not allowed to apply for gaming positions such as slot attendants and table game dealers.
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Why has this always been the case?
The law prohibiting felons from working in casinos in Illinois can be traced back to 1990. The law was passed in response to concerns regarding organized crime and corruption in the gambling industry. At the time, fears were rife that felons with ties to organized crime would utilize their positions to commit fraud and other financial crimes.
The reasoning behind this restriction mainly revolves around maintaining the integrity and security of the gambling operations, as well as protecting the patrons, as well as the sector from possible risks associated with criminal behavior. Felony convictions are typically indicative of serious criminal offenses, which could consist of financial crimes, theft, fraud, or other activities that could pose a real threat to the security of both the establishment and its patrons.
Furthermore, the image and reputation of casinos as reputable and secure establishments have always been crucial for their credibility and success. Allowing people with felony convictions to work in casinos, especially in positions that involve close access to money, customer information or other sensitive information could raise concerns among patrons about the fairness and safety of the games, as well as the gambling environment itself.
This could potentially deter customers from visiting casinos, which could lead to a negative impact on revenue, as well as overall industry reputation. However, thanks to measures such as the ones in Illinois, the landscape is finally changing its tune. There is a growing recognition that people who have served their sentence deserve a chance to reintegrate into society, find gainful employment, and lead productive lives.
It is this sudden change in perspective that has seen the reconsideration of blanket bans on hiring felons in various industries including gambling. It is important to note that in order to guarantee that this change doesn’t compromise the security and integrity of gambling operations, the law in Illinois maintains certain automatic disqualifications for people with specific felony convictions, especially those associated with moral corruption and dishonesty.
Illinois is not the only state that has enacted such laws. Several states have recognized the value of second chances and have similarly amended their regulations to permit people with felony convictions to work in the roles mentioned above within the sector. States such as Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Nevada have all taken steps to consider the qualifications of applicants on a case-by-case basis.
The impact of this new law is expected to be multifaceted. First and foremost, it supplies individuals with felony convictions a chance to rebuild their lives by allowing them to find gainful employment. This is easily the best way to ensure that they do not become repeat offenders and is crucial for reducing recidivism rates.
In Illinois, the state Gaming Board, IGB, will retain the authority to assess applicants based on their criminal history before determining whether they are a threat to public interests or gaming security.
Illinois needs all the casino staff it can get as more casinos are expected to open in the future
Thanks to the 2019 gambling law, Illinois is experiencing the largest expansion of casino operations in decades. 13 Illinois casinos are already open and more casinos are debuting before the end of 2023.
Full House Resorts ‘ The Temporary situated in Waukegan is one of the 6 locations that was awarded a casino license in the 2019 gambling expansion bill. Hard Rock also debuted its temporary casino in Rockford dubbed An Opening Act. But the Hard Rock plans to open its permanent venue before the end of the year, which means that there will be more open positions to fill.
The launch of the highly anticipated casino constructed by Wind Creek Hospitality is scheduled to welcome guests on January 1st, 2025. The Chicago Southland Casino will feature a 73,000-square-foot venue, as well as a 252-room hotel. The casino will boast 1350 slot machines, as well as 56 table games, which will all require new staff members.
This casino project by Wind Creek is anticipated to also create more than 600 construction jobs during the development phase. Once operational, the completed complex will also create approximately 800 new jobs. And the largest casino project is yet to come.
Bally’s is constructing a $1.7 billion casino in downtown Chicago. Plans are already underway to debut a temporary casino at the Medinah Temple this September. Thus expected launch date for this new temporary casino further emphasizes the timeliness and relevance of this new law allowing convicted felons to apply for casino jobs.
Final Thoughts
The recent change in Illinois law permitting casinos to hire convicted felons for non-gambling positions reflects a bigger societal shift towards rehabilitation and giving people second chances.
While maintaining the integrity and security of the industry always remains at the top of the priority list, this new law offers people an opportunity to re-integrate into society, contribute to the labor force, and build a better future. As the gambling landscape in Illinois and the rest of the country keeps evolving, this change underscores the importance of balancing industry security with inclusivity.
